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Sacred and Profane Love

Episode 62: St. Augustine's Confessions with Russell Hittinger, Part II

Apr 19, 2023
In this podcast episode, Russell Hittinger, a leading scholar of Catholic political and social thought, continues the conversation about St. Augustine's Confessions. They explore Augustine's conversion to Christianity and his mother's death. Topics discussed include the impact of weather, the metaphysical question of being, the importance of humility in the journey towards truth, grace and conversion stories, relationships and preaching at funerals in Book 9, and the episodic ending of the episode.
01:27:43

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Augustine's conversion is a continuous process that requires ongoing spiritual cleansing and moral progress.
  • Augustine's mother, Monica, serves as a spiritual guide and a model of faith and perseverance for his own journey.

Deep dives

St. Augustine's Confessions: A Story of Conversion

The podcast episode delves into the first nine books of St. Augustine's Confessions, which present a tightly interwoven story of his conversion and spiritual journey. Drawing parallels with the parable of the prodigal son, Augustine seeks answers to three key questions: Who is his father? Who can teach him how to be a true son? And how can he find his way back? Through encounters with Platonists and the teachings of St. Ambrose, Augustine learns profound insights about the superiority of spirit over mind, the nature of evil as privation, and the importance of humility. These discoveries eventually lead him to a pivotal moment in a garden, where he embraces true religion and receives God's grace. The podcast also highlights Augustine's evolving understanding of his mother, Monica, who serves as a model of wifely servitude and intercedes for his conversion.

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